The Health Impact Assessment Program is responsible for evaluating and measuring the impact of natural gas engines, technology and infrastructure on emissions, pollutants, particulates and other areas that affect public health. To accomplish this task, program participants will join forces to:

• Determine the implications of natural gas engines and after-treatment technology or ambient pollutant levels.
  
  
• Determine the implications of NGVs and infrastructure for recently adopted restrictions on CO2 emissions in California.
  
  
• Identify and evaluate current studies concerning emission levels of criteria pollutants, toxic air contaminants, and ultra-fine particulate matter from vehicles operating on natural gas in comparison to diesel.
  
  
• Conduct further studies and compare the impact on emissions resulting from the use of after-treatment technologies on NGVs.

With the rising cost of petroleum-based gasoline and diesel fuel, tougher emission standards and the growing public demand for better environmental policies, natural gas vehicles provide an attractive alternative with
a multitude of key advantages.